Chatham Conservation Foundation Opens Mill Pond Trail

CHATHAM – The Chatham Conservation Foundation’s newly-created Mill Pond Overlook Trail is now open to the public.

Regularly used by many walkers as part of the popular “loop” walk, the trail runs from Stage Harbor Road to Mill Pond.

The foundation is now undertaking an improvement project focused on the entrance corridor directly adjacent to Stage Harbor Road, removing invasives and replanting the area with 20 native shrubs, 190 perennials, and 150 groundcover plants.

The foundation is also addressing water flow during storm events to avoid

erosion. The project will demonstrate an effective solution involving use of water bars to direct water to the side of the trail and three rain gardens of native pollinator plants that will hold the water until it can drain properly.

The Chatham Garden Club helped create the rain gardens, and AmeriCorps Cape Cod members contributed labor; AmeriCorps also helped cut the original trail through dense underbrush and invasives three years ago. In addition, shrubs for screening have been planted on both sides of the trail with native groundcovers and grasses underneath.

Work is well underway and will be completed later in July. A bench has been installed thanks to the Chatham and Harwich Newcomer’s Woodworking Group, and signage for public education will be installed later.

The foundation will continue to work on the property for many years to come and expressed appreciation for neighbors' donations and volunteer assistance. To learn more, attend the group’s Garden Party on July 21 or its annual meeting on Aug. 5. Donations to help maintain and expand the trail are accepted in memory or honor of loved ones. For more information, contact the foundation at info@ccfinc.org.